My biggest board is currently a 2013 iSonic 107 that I use with NP RS Slalom Mk iv 7.0 and 7.8 in medium to light winds. My only other board is a 2008 iSonic 76 that I use with 6.2 and 5.5 in medium to strong winds.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 2013 iSonic 117 as my light wind board. If used with my 7.8, would I get a big enough increase in light wind performance over the 107 to warrant the purchase? I weigh 63kg.

Yes if you take a much bigger sail and fin : you'll gain 4 knots in the lower wind range by swapping a 7.8 sail + 44 cm fin combo with an 11 m2 sail + 55 cm fin combo.

I'm using the 2012 iSonic 117 wide since a year with 7.7/8.6/11 m2 sails and it's the perfect light wind gear for my 65 kg. No need for anything larger. In stronger wind, I switch to iSonic 53 speed with 7.7 & 6.6 m2 sail.

Jean-Marc,
It is hard to believe that you can use an 11 m2 sail on 117w?! I have the very same 117w 2012 and have tried it with 9,5 m2 and it really seems to be on the very edge of what is sailable ... But 11 m2, just can't believe it!
Marko

A Formula, UltraSonic or even an iSonic 127 are useless for me with my 3 sails because all of these boards are too wide and too large to handle in stronger wind and chop with a sail smaller than 11 m2.

Remember, I'm very light at 65 kg, so it does work very nicely for me. RWW weights 63 kg as well, so this is why I'm suggesting to give it a second thought. For a heavier rider, it's a different story as it may not work as nicely as for a light weight.

BTW, how heavy are you Marko and what fin are you using with your 9.5 m2 sail ?

I will recommend you at this time to find a 110 who is specially design for light guys for light winds and will work perfectly with your 7.8 but at this time you have 2 boards really close, the ideal combination will be 110 & 97 and the inexpensive option is to up grade your fin for your actual 107, what you have now?

I will recommend you at this time to find a 110 who is specially design for light guys for light winds and will work perfectly with your 7.8 but at this time you have 2 boards really close, the ideal combination will be 110 & 97 and the inexpensive option is to up grade your fin for your actual 107, what you have now?

All the best

The two fins that I use with the 107 at the moment are 38cm Drake Ready to Race Slalom 8 and 40cm Vector Volt. Would I gain much in planing performance with a larger fin than the 40cm when using the 7.8 in really light gusty conditions?